New video game with anti-bullying message

By
ADAM LANGENBERG

TASMANIAN anti-bullying group Angel's Goal has joined forces with an independent game development company to create Sumo Boy, a video game with an anti-bullying message.

TASMANIAN anti-bullying group Angel's Goal has joined forces with an independent game development company to create Sumo Boy, a video game with an anti-bullying message.

EMPOWERING: A scene from the anti-bullying video game Sumo Boy.

Sumo Boy will be launched by developer TAPPR in December and follows unlikely hero Oji as he overcomes bullying and low self esteem to journey to another realm and help protect the elements of the earth from an evil spirit.

Angel's Goal co-founder Reuben Cunningham said the group leapt at the chance to get involved in the Sumo Boy project.

"We knew we had to get involved in projects that empower children and adults to overcome bullying," Mr Cunningham said.

"The game can be related to all demographics and all ages and it's G-rated so will get the approval of parents."

TAPRR and Angel's Goal will launch Sumo Boy on PC, mac and mobile and are currently conducting a crowd-funding project to launch the game on PlayStation.

TAPRR director Rob Salha said the group started working on Sumo Boy in February last year with the aim of creating a fun game with "heart and soul."

Mr Salha said game creators wanted to make a narrative-driven game not necessarily reliant on action and violence.

"It's an action, adventure game that still has combat involved, but combat isn't the only way to defeat enemies," he said.

"Reacting violently is often the first reaction, but not the best way to react and the game seeks to explore other ways to react to bullying as Oji begins to get more and more empowered."